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How to Take the Best Selfie

Let’s be honest: The selfie isn’t going anywhere. First-person photos are a staple on social media, particularly Instagram, whether people are trying to show off their outfits, their makeup, or their presence among some cool surroundings. And while it may seem like a simple task, taking an Insta-worthy selfie is actually somewhat of an art. So, to figure out just how to master it, we got tips from some of Chicago’s biggest Instagram stars.

Jena Gambaccini, the blogger behind ChiCityFashion, is certainly well-versed in the art of the selfie, and she regularly shares her handiwork with her 25,000 Instagram followers. “Regardless of who is behind the lens, a good photo of you is all about the right angles (because let's be honest, anything straight on is rarely flattering),” she says. “It's something you have to play around with (I can't tell you [what] your right angles [are], but after enough experimenting, you'll figure it out!), which is where a solid selfie comes in. If you're taking a photo in the mirror, try standing in a few different positions, maybe angle your face to the side a bit. We all know that for every one good selfie, it took at least 20 to get there (maybe 50... you know who you are). No one is watching, so don't be shy! If you're flipping the camera, my #1 tip would be to find natural light. It's your most flattering light and nothing compares. Either face a window or go outside. It's your best bet for little to no editing.”

Benjamin C. shares his, well, dapper looks on his website, Dapper Professional, as well as his Instagram page, which has more than 100,000 followers. But when it comes to selfies, he has a unique strategy. “With 100,000+ followers on Instagram, I’m always taking selfies!” he says. “I’m not talking about the traditional, hold-your-camera selfie. Get yourself a tripod and take a selfie like they were taken before the word ‘selfie’ was even a thing! Set the tripod on a chair, desk, or any object that can elevate the tripod, and then tilt the camera down. This style of shot should turn out great!”

Johanna Grange, the blogger behind 101 Things I Love and co-founder of the digital agency, Oak Street Social, has an artfully curated Instagram feed that reaches more than 30,000 followers. Among the varied photos on that feed? Selfies that show off her serious style. “My number one tip for taking a good selfie is to always hold your phone camera above your head, angling down,” she says. “It's not important to include your face in the picture. It's really all about the angle. It's more flattering and allows you to capture your outfit or surroundings, including the fun details. Also, be sure that lighting is optimal. Otherwise, photos can come up grainy. A pop of color always helps—and avoid busy backgrounds, too. Simple is best!”

A post shared by John Philp Thompson III (@johnphilp3) on Mar 23, 2017 at 6:53am PDT

John Philp Thompson, the sharply-dressed blogger behind The Risky Jackal, regularly shares selfies with his more than 62,000 Instagram followers. In fact, he even took it a step further with a recent “behind-the-selfie” shot. When taking a selfie, “you’re trying to show off your best angles, so keep your chin level but raise your phone up to 45 degrees,” he says. And shoot in “natural light, always,” Thompson advises. “You can achieve this inside by looking out of a window, or outside under cloud coverage or evenly lit shadow. If you’re against a wall, try to make it interesting by color-coordinating to draw the focus to your face, or find a wall with a cool design or texture.”

Dasha Guyton shares her chic personal style on her blog, Windy City Wardrobe, as well as with her more than 12,000 Instagram followers. She certainly throws selfies in the mix here and there—including group photos. (Hey, a selfie doesn’t have to be just of... yourself.) “If you're trying to master art of the Insta-worthy selfie, seek shade on a sunny day, pray for overcast, and if it doesn't come, opt for back light,” she says. “The trick to using back light is to focus on the eyes and align the lighting so it can be partially or fully hidden from your camera, but not your subject. If you’re having trouble, use your hands just above the lens to block the sun a bit. And when all else fails, just let loose and be candid. Some of the best photos are so imperfect that they become perfect because they show off your quirky personality.”

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